Small Steps Novel Novels & Stories

Small Steps' by Louis Sachar is one of those books that sticks with you long after the last page. I remember hunting for it online a while back when I was on a budget, and while it's tricky to find legally free versions, there are some options. Your local library might have digital copies through apps like Libby or OverDrive—that's how I first read it without spending a dime. Some educational sites also offer free chapters for students, but the full book usually requires a purchase or library access.

If you're okay with audiobooks, platforms like YouTube sometimes have fan-read versions (though quality varies). Just be cautious of shady sites claiming 'free downloads'; they often violate copyright. Supporting authors is important, so if you end up loving it like I did, consider buying a copy later! The sequel to 'Holes' deserves that love.

Theodore 'Theo' Johnson, a 16-year-old polio survivor, takes center stage in 'Small Steps'. This novel by Louis Sachar—a follow-up to 'Holes'—shifts focus from Camp Green Lake to Theo's post-camp life, where he navigates recovery, friendships, and unexpected chaos. What struck me was how Sachar made Theo’s physical struggles feel visceral—the leg braces, the exhaustion—but never reduced him to just his disability. His dry humor and determination shine, especially when he gets entangled in a ticket scalping scheme with his impulsive friend Armpit. Unlike typical YA protagonists, Theo’s arc isn’t about grand heroics but quiet resilience—like his literal small steps toward walking unaided.

The supporting cast adds layers too. Ginny, his neighbor with cerebral palsy, challenges Theo’s self-pity without sermonizing. Kaira DeLeon, the pop star he meets, reveals how fame parallels his own isolation. Sachar’s genius lies in weaving these threads into a story that’s part crime caper, part coming-of-age, without ever losing Theo’s grounded perspective. I finished the book feeling like I’d grown alongside him—rooting for those tiny victories that somehow felt epic.

Small Steps' by Louis Sachar is actually a follow-up to his wildly popular book 'Holes', but it's not a direct sequel in the traditional sense. While 'Holes' focused on Stanley Yelnats and his bizarre adventure at Camp Green Lake, 'Small Steps' shifts gears to follow Theodore Johnson—better known as Armpit—one of Stanley's friends from camp. The story stands on its own, diving into Armpit's life after release, his struggles to stay out of trouble, and an unexpected friendship with a teen pop star. It’s more of a companion novel, really, exploring themes of redemption and personal growth without relying on the original plot.

What I love about 'Small Steps' is how Sachar gives Armpit depth beyond his 'Holes' persona. It’s a quieter, more grounded story, but just as compelling. The humor and heart from 'Holes' are still there, just repurposed for a more mature journey. If you adored the quirky charm of the first book but want something with a different flavor, this one’s a gem.